Zombie Ball for Valentine’s Day quirky romantics

Zombies aren’t usually perceived as charitable members of society but tonight, as part of Valentine’s Day, Under Construction Bar will be welcoming a horde of well-intentioned undead.

In collaboration with local NGO, ABCs and Rice, the Wat Bo Road bar is hosting its first annual Zombie Prom.

Funds raised will be used by the charity to provide food and education to impoverished youth, but ABCs and Rice founder Tammy Durand says the emphasis is on fun.

“I had the idea that the next fundraiser, if we wanted it to be a success, would have to be less about the organisation, and more about something that people wanted to do and were willing to pay for,” Tammy said.

“It’s like donor fatigue. You’re always doing something for charity, you’re always being asked for a handout, and there’s not a lot of exciting things going on just to have fun,” she said.

“So why not being able to go out, let loose and know that you’re doing some good at the same time. I just think it’s a new way of looking at it.”

Owners of Under Construction Bar, Jacob Thrane and Carsten Andersen, have been rather constructive in their own efforts to ensure the night is a success.

“We just lucked out huge and when we approached Jake and Carsten,” Tammy said.“I was thinking, ‘how much money do I have to give you?’ and they’re like, ‘how much money can we pitch in?’

“We’re going to have shooters done up in syringes, all sorts of eerie cocktails and discounts on drinks. Also there’ll be themed food available before the dance.”

Tammy, originally from Ontario, Canada, set up ABCs and Rice in 2010 to help the poor to break the cycle of poverty.

The program supports 183 children by providing them with food in exchange for attending school, alleviating them of the necessity to work to supply themselves and their families with food.

Tickets for the Zombie Prom are $5 in advance or $7 at the door, available from Under Construction Bar and Sister Srey Café.